The nurse provides education to a patient about the symptoms of uncontrolled hypertension.
Which symptom would the nurse include? Select all that apply.
One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Choice A rationale:

Increased bilirubin levels can occur in thalassemia major due to the destruction of red blood cells, leading to elevated bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of hemoglobin. This elevation can contribute to jaundice and other symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Thalassemia major leads to the destruction of red blood cells, causing the bone marrow to release more reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) into the bloodstream. Therefore, an increased reticulocyte level is expected in thalassemia major.

Choice C rationale:

Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is not a typical finding in thalassemia major. Thalassemia major is characterized by microcytic (smaller than normal) red blood cells, leading to a decreased MCV.

Choice D rationale:

Thalassemia major causes increased iron absorption by the intestines, leading to elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) TIBC measures the body's capacity to bind and transport iron in the blood, and elevated levels are seen in conditions with increased iron demand, such as thalassemia major.

Choice A rationale:

Methotrexate is a medication used for cancer and autoimmune diseases. It does not chelate iron and is not used to treat iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.

Choice B rationale:

Deferoxamine is an iron chelating agent used to treat iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis. It binds to excess iron and promotes its excretion from the body, preventing complications such as organ damage.

Choice C rationale:

Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It would not be appropriate for a patient with hemochromatosis, a condition characterized by iron overload.

Choice D rationale:

Iron dextran complex is another form of intravenous iron used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is not indicated for treating iron overload conditions like hemochromatosis.